Reels

Product Overview

Reels is a tape emulation plugin with built-in echo section and tape-stop effect.

Based on an old Japanese portable tape recorder with a very distinct Lo-Fi analog sound, Reels emulates all the imperfections of consumer reel-to-reel recorders.

We have modeled three different 1/4” tape frequency responses and saturations, along with all the analog imperfections of tape recording / playback.

Reels will add a very rough retro analog sound to your mixes. If you are looking for a Hi-Fi mastering tape emulation, this is not the plugin for you!

PORTABLE TAPE RECORDER

Reels is based on a vintage Japanese reel to reel, ironically marked as High Fidelity, found in a distressed state at a local flea market. Most of these consumer tape recorders, also due to their age, produce has a very rough Lo-Fi analog sound.

During recording or playback, the motor noise somehow bleeds in, along with the usual tape hiss, limiting the actual bandwidth available on the tape.

Ducking, random volume loss due to tape or rec/play head imperfections

Crosstalk, the leak between left and right channel in a stereo signal

Hiss, high-frequency noise caused by the magnetic particles in the tape

Motor, mid-frequency noise caused by the reels motor

TAPE STOP

When pressing stop on a reel-to-reel player, the tape doesn’t stop immediately. Instead, it slows down creating a pitch down and fade out effect. You can replicate this effect with Reels, and you can also control the speed of the tape stop.

TAPE MODELLING

We’ve modeled three different tape types, from ruined to NOS (new old stock) state.The tape types are named after the country of origin: JP (Japan), IT (Italy), FR (France).

JP Used tape but with an overall better frequency response

IT New old stock but with a limited frequency response

FR Overused and badly stored, very bad frequency response

Each tape will affect the sound in different ways, especially at higher feedback settings when using the Echo section.

WOW/Flutter, Ducking, and other parameters will also change according to the selected tape, creating different amount of pitch and volume changes.

DOWNLOAD FROM AUDIOTHING

Please note: This product is downloaded from the Audio Thing website. After your purchase you will be sent a unique code. Download the activation guide PDF from your account for further details.

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Reviews

(1)

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Strong Mocha

Reels allows you to generate the vibe you hear from those old tape machines. The effect creates a VERY convincing simulation of old tapes/machines – perfect for Lo-Fi productions. It sounds really good on different types of sound effects, drums, synths, and vocals.